we're also hearing that at one of the meetings later this week that mike morell with the cia joining ambassador rice. this comes after senator mccain seemed to be putting a brakes on the harshest criticisms of ambassador rice and the actions in the wake of the benghazi attacks. from threatening to block her nomination as possible secretary of state to a willingness to hear her out, senator john mccain seems to be dialing back his public opposition to ambassador susan rice. >> i think she deserves the ability and the opportunity to explain herself and her position. >> reporter: another vocal critic, senator lindsey graham, is still expressing doubts about her but avoided answering whether he would stand in the way of a rice nomination. >> when she comes over, if she does, there will be a lot of questions asked of her about this event and others. >> reporter: whether this apparent new tone is a shift in thinking prompted by political pressure or nuanced language, the white house with all ears. >> saw those comments and appreciate them as the president has said and i and others have sai